Dear Anonymous:

It is very important that you do express it to him that his venting becomes too much for you. Somehow it needs to be done. I think it is not a question of IF but of how. Here is an example of how:

“(Name), you know I love you very much. I care about you, about how you feel and if it was up to me, you will always be happy, this is what I wish could be, you being always happy. Unfortunately it is impossible for anyone and unfortunately no matter how much I want you to be happy at any one time, and I do want it so much, I can’t make it so. I listen to you when you express your feelings and I think it is healthy for you that you do. It is healthy for everyone to express their feelings. Sometimes it gets to be too much for me, to heavy on me. At those times I will tell you:v ‘(Name), this is getting too much for me. I need a break.’ This is how I take care of myself. When I feel distressed I need to give myself a break. Sometimes I am going to express my feelings to you and if it gets too much for you, I want you to tell me you need a break. So we go back and forth, expressing, venting and taking breaks. ..”

And of course, follow with expressing your feelings and venting to him (if you don’t already do that)

anita